Malta Gaming Authority Issues New License Conditions

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has updated its license conditions, with key changes focusing on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. As of March 1, 2024, all licensed operators must adhere to these new conditions, which include stricter requirements for player verification, mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions, and enhanced measures to prevent underage gaming.

Key Updates

• Operators must implement effective age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing gaming services.
• The MGA has introduced a new risk-based approach to AML/KYC, requiring operators to conduct more thorough assessments of their customers and transactions.
• Licensed operators are now obligated to provide clear and transparent information about their games, including RTP (Return to Player) percentages and rules.

According to the MGA, these updates aim to ensure a safer and more regulated environment for players, while also promoting a level playing field among operators. The authority has given licensees a six-month transition period to comply with the new conditions. As of January 2024, the MGA had 361 licensed operators, with the jurisdiction generating €1.56 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2023, representing a 12% increase from the previous year.